This month’s challenge from the ladies of The Inspired Plate was to photograph food on a black background. One quick peek at the photos that illustrate the recipes in my Family Table section will show you that my style has leaned towards brighter, lighter colors. The sample images I found online using black backgrounds were moody and dark in a way I wasn’t sure I could capture myself.
Then I remembered that Halloween is just a few days away and I decided to embrace the season. I tried to go with a darker “spookier” look to my food photos and was shocked to discover how much I liked this effect.
The dark background really forces the focus on the subject in a way my lighter images haven’t been able to.
I purchased these S’mores & Chocolate Frangelico cupcakes from a local bakery and I’m quite certain the sales clerk thought I was nuts when I requested specific ones in the line-up of her case. I was totally excited to find this one with a bit of marshmallow spilling over the edge. That is most definitely a detail you would never have noticed with a white background.
I also love how the colors of the candy corn and candy accents really pop using this set-up. 
I’m so grateful to this group for pushing me out of my comfort zone. Who would have guessed I could use black and make it work! I’m looking forward to more experimenting with it soon!
Now, please take a minute to click through and see what the other ladies have to offer for this month’s challenge. Next up is my friend Carey Pace | Kingsport TN Photographer. Carey has an amazing way with light and I can’t wait to see what she has come up with for myself!
Kay Pickens says
Love these! I was going to shoot cupcakes and candy corn…but I knew I’d eat the bag of candy corn all by myself!!
Jennifer says
Tiffany-these turned out lovely! How nice that you have an awesome bakery nearby where you can pick up such yummy looking treats 🙂
I’m sure your family enjoyed the treats and candy when you were all finished too!
Kat says
I love that you picked out specific cupcakes for your subjects AND that you picked one with running marshmallow. Besides looking yum. I think you did a great job in composition this month. It’s harder than one thinks to make things like candy corns look natural rather than placed. I like how you did it. Darn now I’m in the mood for a yummy cupcake.
Stacey says
Wow, these sure pop off the black! I love how you incorporated some overhead shots, too. Nice work!
Laurie says
I’m always encouraged when you post your challenge photos.. I feel like you really embrace the “new technique” and give it 100%. Another gorgeous photo shoot Tiffany! I was hoping you all would get the idea that October_Halloween_Black was all a part of the seasons theme. 🙂 I love all your cup cake shots, but my favorite is the second photo! xo
Kim - Liv Life says
I know what you mean about “out of your comfort zone!!” Liv has been asking me for cupcakes for weeks, and these look just fabulous. I love how the light colors show so brightly on the black, it really makes the cupcakes pop. Well done!
Tammy Bilodeau says
I think you pulled this one off without a hitch. I love all the colours, and the movement in the frosting. Great job
cayce says
oh Tiffany these cupcakes make me drool! lol
great work, the details look great!
Jen Olson | Localette says
Love how your colors POP, Tiffany!! Great lighting as well, love how you are really showing off the texture of the food!!
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